Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson Orchestra students were treated to a special presentation today. Dr. Riggle, an Optometrist at VisionPoint in Valparaiso, shared with the class all about becoming a composer. “A lot of people don’t know what a composer does…what to do or how to go about [becoming one],” stated Riggle.
Riggle, an accomplished composer, has been active in music since a young age. “I’ve played piano since I was little and I knew I wanted to compose music,” he shared. Growing up, Riggle was involved with concert and marching band, choir, and theater. After acquiring a music degree as an undergrad, Riggle pursued becoming an Optometrist but never gave up his love for performing, and kept his talent by playing local gigs, including performances at the Memorial Opera House, Star Theatre and the Dunes Theatre.
Still harboring a desire to pursue music composition, Riggle found a notable composer at Loyola University in Chicago, Gustavo Leone, and began studying composition with him. “I learned a ton from Gustavo,” he smiled, remembering the several years he spent honing his composing skills.
Many composers don’t garner much notice, so Riggle chose the route of posting his compositions online, in order to grab the attention of a publisher. “I’ve been fortunate…I received a lot of notice from posting online,” he stated, “My publisher, BRS Music in Indianapolis, sought me out.” Riggle’s work has also received recognition locally; both the Northwest Indiana Youth Symphony and the La Porte Symphony have performed his pieces.
“Dr. Melin is trying to focus the students on career development,” said Orchestra Instructor Sherri Nord, as the schools are gearing the kids’ minds towards thinking about their futures. Riggle’s presentation was an effort to show the students that there is more to music than performance. “The students won’t all be pros when they grow up but maybe they’ll enjoy composing.”
While demonstrating some of the music software that is available for potential composers, Riggle encouraged the students to keep playing. “You can keep your music your whole life,” he stressed, recommending that the students start by trying out for the Northwest Indiana Youth Symphony or other community ensembles. “You have to put a lot into your playing to get it out…have to commit to that instrument and not give up.”